Chapter 5

Forced by Edward's pressure, I gave up my position as chairperson at Starlight Gallery and became just a regular employee.

I threw myself into mountains of tedious work, doing everything I could to stay away from that villa, since every corner of it was soaked in memories that hurt.

Philip kept hesitating and then finally said, "You should take a long break and get some rest. You're really not doing well."

I put in for some time off, planning to head to a coastal town to clear my head. But just as I booked my ticket, the gallery called with an emergency.

"Ms. Carter, the tax authorities just showed up and sealed off the gallery. Someone tipped them off about tax problems at Starlight Gallery!"

"Don't freak out. I'm coming back right now," I said, trying to sound calm as I canceled my trip and rushed over in a cab.

"The tax inspectors have already taken the accountant and Evelyn in for questioning," Philip said quietly as he stood by the gallery entrance. "Evelyn forced you out, and now she's finally facing the consequences."

But I couldn't feel even a shred of relief. "Doesn't matter who's running things. Starlight Gallery can't have a tax evasion scandal on its name."

I buried myself in the archives, combing through years of financial records. By the time I finally looked up, it was already way past midnight.

The office door slammed open, and Edward stormed in, tall and intimidating, bringing the midnight chill with him. His lips twisted into a sneer, eyes sharp and freezing, as he marched over and grabbed my chin.

Edward glared at me, his voice dripping with frost. "Elena, you're plotting against Evelyn again, aren't you? You know her heart's fragile. If this investigation pushes her over the edge, I swear I won't let you get away with it."

I could feel his icy breath against my cheek. "Is this tax evasion thing real?" I asked, my voice shaking uncontrollably.

Edward sneered, his face full of contempt. "Don't play dumb.

"You cooked the books on purpose when you were in charge, left traps in the accounts, and then waited until Evelyn took over to tip off the authorities, just so you could ruin her.

"Now she's the one taking the fall for your mess. Elena, you're more calculating than I ever imagined."

My legs gave out, and I collapsed onto the cold floor.

It was all in ruins—Edward's last bit of love and trust for me, and the gallery my mom had poured her blood, sweat, and tears into.

After a moment, I dug my nails deep into my thigh, the sharp pain keeping me grounded in reality.

"I swear on everything I have, every single book was clean and legal when I was in charge. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure the gallery's name stays clean," I said.

I looked Edward straight in the eye. He seemed shaken by the shattered yet unyielding look in mine. He slowly closed his eyes.

"There's still a way to fix this," Edward said.

I just listened in silence, waiting for him to continue.

"You go to the tax office and take the heat for Evelyn. I'll get Sterling Holdings' finance team to comb through every account at the gallery.

"If there's anything wrong, the company will pay double the fine and make sure the whole thing gets settled," Edward said.

After a long pause, I heard myself speak, numb and dead inside. "Okay."

Edward turned away, his voice icy. "I'll drive you there."

I wasn't surprised. When it came to Evelyn, he never let anything slip. He always had to see things through himself.

Before we got in the car, Philip saw me about to leave with Edward and hurried over to stop us. "Where are you two going?" he asked.

I forced a pale smile. "Edward and I need to handle something for work. Philip, you should head home and get some rest."

Philip gave me a worried look, clearly uneasy, but I insisted he go.

Edward lit up a cigar as he drove. I turned to look at him. "Philip and I are just coworkers and good friends. There's nothing going on between us."

Edward stayed silent the whole way, rolling the window all the way down. The freezing wind rushed into the car, chilling me to the bone.

I stared blankly out the window, and every now and then, I'd catch a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror—haggard, drained, not a single spark left in my eyes.

*****

Waiting for questioning at the tax office was absolute torture. The place was cramped and depressing, nothing but bare walls and cold floors.

My lawyer finally came to see me, brought the bail paperwork, and got me released. I tried to ask about the gallery, but before I could even get the words out, a wave of dizziness crashed over me, and I dropped straight to the floor.